InsightArise CarsU.S. Owner Complaint Index
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2020 BMW X5 problems, complaints & recalls

Far fewer Steady

NHTSA has received 107 owner complaints about the 2020 BMW X5, or 16.0 per year on the road — far fewer complaints than typical for a vehicle of its age (complaint index 0.38, where 1.00 is the average of all tracked vehicles). Among the 82 model-year 2020 vehicles we track, it ranks #31 for fewest complaints per year. Against other BMW models its rate is 37% higher; against other Luxury SUVs it is 6% higher.

Counts are normalized by time on the road, not by sales volume: a popular model generates more reports than a rare one, and complaints are not verified individually. How we count

Complaints filed between 2020-04-21 and 2026-08-26. Median delay from incident to filing: 7 days.

107Complaints
16.0Complaints per year on the road
0.38Complaint index vs. all tracked vehicles
11Recalls
8.4%Share involving a crash or fire
45Last 12 months

Analysis

The previous model year (2019) drew 23.8 complaints per year, more than this one. The following model year (2021) drew 18.2 per year, more than this one. In its first two years on the road the 2020 model collected 9 complaints, 84% lower than the average vehicle of the same model year.

The most common problem area is Engine (41.1% of complaints), followed by Electrical (15.0%) and Transmission / powertrain (12.1%). Engine complaints are 1.9 times as common here as across all tracked vehicles. Within Engine reports, owners most often mention “starter”, “oil pump”, “system engine”, “oil pressure” and “engine cooling”. 9 reports (8.4%) describe a crash or fire; owners mention 5 injuries and 0 deaths.

Half of the reported incidents happened within 62 months of the model year's start; the busiest period was after five years (60% of incidents). In the last 12 months 45 new complaints were filed, versus 35 in the 12 months before — a steady pace.

NHTSA lists 11 safety recalls for this model year. 42% of the complaints fall in component areas that a recall addresses. 1 NHTSA defect investigation covers this model year; the most recent is “Pedestrian alert sounds” (opened 2023-01-27, closed 2023-08-07).

Complaint index

  • vs. all tracked vehicles0.38
  • vs. other BMW models1.37
  • vs. other 2020 models0.42
  • vs. other Luxury SUVs1.06
  • Complaints in first 2 years on the road · vs. same-year average (9)0.16
  • #31 of 82 · 2020Rankings ›

1.00 means the same rate as the comparison group. 2.00 means twice as many complaints per year on the road.

Other model years

  • 20188.1 per year0.19
  • 201923.8 per year0.57
  • 202016.0 per year0.38
  • 202118.2 per year0.43
  • 202214.8 per year0.35
  • 20238.4 per year0.2
  • 202453.8 per year1.28
  • 202536.5 per year0.87

BMW X5 problems, complaints & recalls by model year ›

What owners complain about

  • Engine44 · 41.1% · 1.85×
  • Electrical16 · 15.0% · 0.95×
  • Transmission / powertrain13 · 12.1% · 1.04×
  • Airbags & seat belts8 · 7.5% · 1.96×
  • Interior & equipment6 · 5.6% · 0.62×
  • Lighting5 · 4.7% · 3.01×
  • Body & structure4 · 3.7% · 0.4×
  • Brakes3 · 2.8% · 0.46×

vs. all vehicles: 1.00 = All-vehicle average

Engine · Common terms in reports

  • starter20
  • oil pump14
  • system engine11
  • oil pressure11
  • engine cooling11
  • engine engine11

Electrical · Common terms in reports

  • notification electrical5
  • system recall5
  • electrical system6
  • crossing3
  • amount recall5
  • exceeded reasonable5

Transmission / powertrain · Common terms in reports

  • front differential5
  • transfer5
  • jerking3
  • either3
  • warning lights4
  • loss3

Problem areas: Electrical · Engine · Transmission / powertrain · Interior & equipment · Brakes

When complaints were filed

2020: 5 5 2020 2021: 4 4 2021 2022: 5 5 2022 2023: 5 5 2023 2024: 20 20 2024 2025: 34 34 2025 2026: 34 34 2026
  • Crashes reported: 3
  • Fires reported: 6
  • Injuries: 5
  • Deaths: 0

Vehicle age at incident

  • <1 yr4.7%
  • 1–2 yrs4.7%
  • 2–3 yrs3.7%
  • 3–5 yrs27.1%
  • 5+ yrs59.8%

Median age at incident: 62 months

What owners report

Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, trimmed for length. The ODI number is NHTSA's record identifier.

Segment peers · 2020 · Luxury SUVs

ModelsComplaintsComplaints per year on the roadComplaint index
2020 Audi Q7263.90.09
2020 Audi Q5365.40.13
2020 Lexus RX548.10.19
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC8012.00.29
2020 BMW X510716.00.38
2020 BMW X310916.30.39
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE12318.40.44
2020 Acura MDX22033.00.78

Safety recalls (11)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY Campaign 25V644000 · 2025-09-25

Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 340I, X6, 2020-2025 840I, 2020-2022 740LI, 2019-2020 X7, and X5 vehicles. After repeated attempts, the starter motor may overheat from an electrical overload.

Risk: An overheated starter motor can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. This recall includes vehicles repaired under recall 24V576 and those owners will need to have their vehicle repaired again. Owner notification letters were mailed February 9, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov November 17, 2025.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY Campaign 24V576000 · 2024-08-01

Summary: BMW of North America, LLC is recalling certain 2019-2020 X5, X7, 2020 3 Series Sedan, X6, 2020-2021 7 Series Sedan, 2020 8 Series Convertible, 8 Series Coupe, and 2020 8 Series Gran Coupe vehicles. Please see the recall report for the complete list of models. In the event the starter motor fails, repeated attempts to start the vehicle can cause the starter motor to overheat from an electrical overload.

Risk: A starter motor that overheats can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will update the vehicle software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 27, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY Campaign 22V267000 · 2022-04-20

Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022 4 Series Gran Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive); 2019-2022 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5M; 2021-2022 X5 xdrive45e; 2020-2022 X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6M and 2019-2023 X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, X7 xDrive60i, X7 M60i, X7M, Alpina XB7 vehicles. The roof function control unit may be programmed incorrectly, allowing the sunroof to close without the key fob present inside the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."

Risk: A sunroof that closes without the key fob present inside the vehicle can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the roof function control unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 20, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA Campaign 21V096000 · 2021-02-19

Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, Alpina XB7, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, and 8 Series Coupe, Convertible and Grand Coupe, 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8, 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le, 745Le xDrive, X5 xDrive45e, X3 xDrive30e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 740i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, M760i Drive, M760Li xDrive, 750Li xDrive Alpina, Alpina B7 xDrive, and 2021 4 Series Coupe 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive vehicles. When shifting into Reverse, a small portion of the rearview image may be obscured, or the screen may not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Risk: If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the missing or reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rearview camera software and update it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC Campaign 21V062000 · 2021-02-10

Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 8 Series Coupe, Grand Coupe and convertible 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8 and 740 Li, 740 Li xDrive, 750 Li xDrive, M760 Li xDrive, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xdrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, and 2019-2021 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5M, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, and 2021 M3, M3 Competition, M4 Coupe, M4 Competition Coupe, X5 xDrive45e, 745 Le xDrive. The rotor and shaft within the integrated brake system may not have been welded properly and could separate during a hard braking event, possibly resulting in a loss of the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and braking assistance.

Risk: A loss of ABS and a reduction in braking assistance can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the integrated brake system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 25, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM Campaign 20V678000 · 2020-11-04

Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X5 sDrive40i, xDrive40i, X5 M50i, X5M, X7 xDrive40i, X7 M50i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 M50i and X6M vehicles and 2021 X5 xDrive45e vehicles. The weld between the front axle support and the right front control arm bearing bracket may separate.

Risk: If the weld between the front axle support and the right front control arm bearing bracket separates, vehicle handling and control may be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front axle support, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS Campaign 20V528000 · 2020-09-01

Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 X5 sDrive40i, xDrive40i, xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5M, X6 sDrive40i, xDrive40i, X6 M50i, X6M, X7 M50i and 2021 X5 xDrive45e vehicles. The headlamps may allow a blue light to illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Risk: Oncoming drivers may be confused by the blue light of approaching vehicles, which could potentially increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the headlamps and, if necessary, replace them, free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Campaign 20V465000 · 2020-08-07

Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X5 sDrive 40i, X5 xDrive 40i and one X7 xDrive 40i vehicle. The starter motor may have an extra bolt that could potentially fall into the transmission housing and cause an engine stall.

Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the starter motor for the extra bolt, removing it if necessary. Dealers will also inspect the starter for damage, and check if the bolt has fallen into the transmission housing, replacing any damaged parts as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 2, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

STEERING Campaign 20V434000 · 2020-07-28

Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i and X5 xDrive50i vehicles and 2020 X6M vehicles. The steering column shaft bearing plate may not have been properly attached to the vehicle, allowing it to loosen.

Risk: A loose bearing plate can affect the vehicle's handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the steering column shaft bearing plate and properly attach or replace it, as necessary, free of charge. BMW telephoned owners and all of the vehicles have been remedied. No owner notification letter is necessary. Please contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA Campaign 19V684000 · 2019-09-27

Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 540d, 2018-2020 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 530e, 530e xDrive, X3 sDrive, X3 xDrive, X3 M40i, X3 M, and 2019-2020 X4 xDrive, X4 M40i, X4 M, X7 xDrive, X7 M50i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 750Li, 750Li xDrive, 8 Series Convertible and Coupe 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, X5 sDrive, X5 xDrive, X5 M50i, X6 xDrive, X6 M50i, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, Z4 sDrive, Z4 M40i, 740Le xDrive and 745Le xDrive, 2018-2019 640i xDrive Gran Turismo and Rolls-Royce Phantom, 2019 M850i xDrive Gran Coupe and Rolls-Royce Cullinan and 2020 Toyota Supra vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."

Risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the back-up camera software, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.

STEERING:RACK AND PINION:RACK Campaign 19V631000 · 2019-08-28

Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i and X7 M50i vehicles. The steering rack pinion teeth may break under load, resulting in a loss of steering control.

Risk: A loss of steering control increases risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering rack, free of charge. The recall began August 21, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

How to check whether your car has an open recall ›

Investigations

Frequently asked questions

How many complaints were filed for the 2020 BMW X5?

107 complaints were filed with NHTSA for the 2020 BMW X5, or about 16.0 per year on the road.

What is the most common problem reported for the 2020 BMW X5?

The most common category is Engine, accounting for 41.1% of complaints.

Does the 2020 BMW X5 have any recalls?

NHTSA lists 11 safety recall(s) for this model year. 1 NHTSA defect investigation covers this model year; the most recent is “Pedestrian alert sounds” (opened 2023-01-27, closed 2023-08-07).

Is the 2020 BMW X5 still generating complaints?

In the last 12 months 45 new complaints were filed, versus 35 in the 12 months before — a steady pace.

How does the 2020 BMW X5 compare with similar vehicles?

NHTSA has received 107 owner complaints about the 2020 BMW X5, or 16.0 per year on the road — far fewer complaints than typical for a vehicle of its age (complaint index 0.38, where 1.00 is the average of all tracked vehicles). Among the 82 model-year 2020 vehicles we track, it ranks #31 for fewest complaints per year. Against other BMW models its rate is 37% higher; against other Luxury SUVs it is 6% higher.